Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Northwest Fall Hiking: Golden Larches on the Maple Pass Loop

For a few magical weeks each autumn before the snow falls too thick and deep in the Cascades, Northwest hikers stalk the golden glow of larches. The rewards of this gold rush are a riches of startling beauty.

I should just stop with the prose here and post a bazillion photos. It was such an extraordinarily beautiful day/time to bear witness to the splendor that I could hardly stop taking pictures.

But I did manage to hike a good 7.2 miles up and down a few thousand feet in elevation (about 4,000 total) in the process. We started the loop going clockwise at the Rainy Pass parking lot trailhead (elevation 4,875 feet) on the south side of Highway 20 (North Cascades Highway). Our trip co-leader Sam tells us this direction is steeper but a more mellow grade going down, which sounds just fine for fussy knees.

But none of it seems that steep really. Or maybe we're just so elated from the alpine landscape we don't notice. I do remember sweating.

We start up switchbacks through forest for a mile or so until we see the first golden larches. These trees only grow at 5,000 feet up to about 8,000 feet elevation on the eastern crest of the Cascades.

Just the beginning

From here on it only gets more and more spectacular. We skirt along a steep ridge with views down to Lake Ann and Rainy Lake on either side, and pass through alpine meadows laced with scarlet and gold.

On a clear day, there are panoramic views along this hike of many North Cascades peaks, but today we're shrouded in mist that rises and falls. Which, I think, makes it even more lovely.

Because it's so cool and scenic up here, I've lost track of time and can't tell you how long it took to get to Maple Pass (a couple hours?). It's a party up here when we break for lunch, with at least a dozen other hikers around.

Holiday card shot, Lake Ann in cirque below

Looking back the way we came.

Then we continue down to Heather Pass, which is also dusted in snow, and beyond. We pass many more hikers coming from the other direction now, including a young couple wearing nothing but shorts and thin tops, without packs (not smart). In contrast, I'm in four layers, with fleece, Gore-tex, hat, and gloves.

Sam, who was up here a
few weeks ago putting up signs for the U.S. Forest Service telling people to stay off "social" (unofficial) trails, checks out how they're
holding up. Reminder, DO NOT stray off the main trail in these fragile alpine areas.

Heather Pass area

As we descend below snow level and get closer to Lake Ann, the fall colors are even more stunning again, with the golden larches blending with colorful shrubs like huckleberry and Sitka mountain ash.

Don't they look like a happy family?

Writer/author Craig Romano on the trail.

Although Craig Romano is one of the most loquacious men I've ever met, I can't come up with a good quote from him. But as we hike together, his conversation is always entertaining, sincere, and informative. (Go hear him speak at one of his upcoming events if you can.)After we get below Lake Ann, the trail is mostly enclosed in forest, except one colorful patch of talus, where I've seen a resident marmot on hikes past.

Overall the going seemed relatively easy, what with the awesome scenery, enchanting fall colors, and fun company. Most hiking guides rate this a moderate hike.

Happy trails and thanks for visiting Pacific Northwest Seasons!

When You GoTo hike this loop before it gets too snow covered, go soon (it's snowing as I write this above 5,000 feet in the Cascades, so....). Check the North Cascades forecast. With the snow flying today, you might already need Yaktrax for traction and hiking poles for stability when venturing there before the highway closes for the season.

Hey beastmaster, I read a trip report on the WTA website from 11/2 hike there, they said a couple feet of snow up there and weren't able to continue past Heather Meadows. But warming trend might make things better this weekend. And the views are spectacular at Heather Meadows. Go for it and then tell me how it was!

Jill...this is one of my most favorite posts ever. I can't imagine why I didn't post a comment here, but perhaps I did on FB? The larch looms high as one of the top ten images that anchors me to the PNW. In all that green, the flamboyant and provocative larch steals the show, and takes my breath away.

Hey Suezy, thanks for your comment, as always - so appreciated! Yes, this was an especially beautiful day/hike. Good memories. Had some friends who did it last weekend and larches just starting to turn. A little early for the real show.

Anonymous, sorry, no control over that. Also, I don't think blogspot even has such a check box? I don't see it when I try to anonymously comment. Anyway, that's why I never check that box on other blogs - I just go back and check to see if there is a response in a few days.

About Pacific Northwest Seasons

About Me

I’m a bi-state Northwesterner raised near Portland and based in Seattle, where my family roots extend back 150 years. My love affair with the Cascade Mountains and outdoors in general started with summers at Hidden Valley Camp in the shadow of Mount Pilchuck.